Guest guest Posted September 20, 2003 Report Share Posted September 20, 2003 HEY THERE IM NEW TO THE GROUP...I HAVE A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING THIS DISEASE...I HAVE IT AND I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. SEE IVE ALREADY HAD 2 SURGERIES FOR PEPTIC ULCERS AND HAVE HAD 1/2 MY STOMACH REMOVED AND MY GALL BLADDER..NOW IN THE PAST 3 YRS. IVE BEEN IN AND OUT THE HOSPITAL SO MUCH BECAUSE OF MY PANCREATITIS THAT IT MENTALLY BREAKING ME DOWN.I CANT HOLD A JOB,FUNCTION,ETC...IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET DISABILITY?I NEED SOME REAL GOOD ADVICE.CAN SOME ONE PLEASE HELO ME...I REALLY WISH I COULD TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THIS ONLINE ,INSTEAD OF E-MAIL,SO SOMEONE PLEASE GET BACK WITH ME... THANK YOU , BRIAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi . Sounds like you are in the " hibernation syndrome " . It is normal after we have surgery. I have enclosed info on this. Hope it helps! ~H. Marietta, GA Lap RNY 10/13/03 292/240/150 ~Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels~ Hibernation Syndrome After WLS, you may be feeling tired and become depressed. When you are several weeks post op, and are either on a liquid diet or you are eating many fewer calories than you were pre op, this depression and inactivity can become more pronounced. All you want to do is sleep, you may have crying spells, you may begin to believe that the surgery was a mistake, or you may think 'what in the world have I done to myself?' All these feelings are completely normal and, to a certain extent, are to be expected. The low number of calories you are eating produces what many of us call the 'hibernation syndrome' and your depression and feelings of despair, are a direct result. During the weeks immediately following surgery, our body starts to notice that we are not taking in enough calories. It doesn't know we've had WLS, or that it's the year 2004. Our body is missing food, thinks this is a famine, and struggles to conserve our energy. The human body reacts like it always has in a famine; it makes us depressed--so we don't have the motivation to do anything, and it makes us tired--so we don't have the energy to do anything. In this way, we will conserve as many calories as possible and remain alive. You can see the practical value of this as our bodies have been living through famines, snowstorms, and other periods of unstable food supply for centuries. This stage can last several weeks. Our discomfort is compounded as we are, at this same time, trying to recover from major surgery, adopt new eating habits, and deal with a liquid or soft diet. To get out of this stage, our body has to say to itself 'gee, this famine is lasting a bit too long. If I keep conserving my energy with inactivity, I will starve to death. I'd better use my last store of energy (the remaining fat and muscles in our body) to hunt up some food'. At this point, our body will switch from getting energy from food, to getting energy from our fat (and muscle too if we don't eat enough protein) and that is what we want. In order to deal with this difficult transition period, tell yourself that you're right on track; this is exactly what is normal and to be expected. Tell yourself that, in a few weeks, this will pass, and you will feel like a completely new person. We all seem to turn the corner about 4-6 weeks post op. Then, your mood will lighten and, with your weight loss starting to add up, you'll feel more positive and have a better outlook on life. Just keep telling yourself that you will not always feel this way! You WILL be back to feeling like your old self. Just give it time! In a message dated 1/9/04 9:20:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, BrAvEuT@... writes: hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi . Sounds like you are in the " hibernation syndrome " . It is normal after we have surgery. I have enclosed info on this. Hope it helps! ~H. Marietta, GA Lap RNY 10/13/03 292/240/150 ~Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels~ Hibernation Syndrome After WLS, you may be feeling tired and become depressed. When you are several weeks post op, and are either on a liquid diet or you are eating many fewer calories than you were pre op, this depression and inactivity can become more pronounced. All you want to do is sleep, you may have crying spells, you may begin to believe that the surgery was a mistake, or you may think 'what in the world have I done to myself?' All these feelings are completely normal and, to a certain extent, are to be expected. The low number of calories you are eating produces what many of us call the 'hibernation syndrome' and your depression and feelings of despair, are a direct result. During the weeks immediately following surgery, our body starts to notice that we are not taking in enough calories. It doesn't know we've had WLS, or that it's the year 2004. Our body is missing food, thinks this is a famine, and struggles to conserve our energy. The human body reacts like it always has in a famine; it makes us depressed--so we don't have the motivation to do anything, and it makes us tired--so we don't have the energy to do anything. In this way, we will conserve as many calories as possible and remain alive. You can see the practical value of this as our bodies have been living through famines, snowstorms, and other periods of unstable food supply for centuries. This stage can last several weeks. Our discomfort is compounded as we are, at this same time, trying to recover from major surgery, adopt new eating habits, and deal with a liquid or soft diet. To get out of this stage, our body has to say to itself 'gee, this famine is lasting a bit too long. If I keep conserving my energy with inactivity, I will starve to death. I'd better use my last store of energy (the remaining fat and muscles in our body) to hunt up some food'. At this point, our body will switch from getting energy from food, to getting energy from our fat (and muscle too if we don't eat enough protein) and that is what we want. In order to deal with this difficult transition period, tell yourself that you're right on track; this is exactly what is normal and to be expected. Tell yourself that, in a few weeks, this will pass, and you will feel like a completely new person. We all seem to turn the corner about 4-6 weeks post op. Then, your mood will lighten and, with your weight loss starting to add up, you'll feel more positive and have a better outlook on life. Just keep telling yourself that you will not always feel this way! You WILL be back to feeling like your old self. Just give it time! In a message dated 1/9/04 9:20:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, BrAvEuT@... writes: hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi .... I just want to tell you I feel for you and even though I am still pre op I can tell you almost everybody say`s that the feelings you are having are not uncommon. I have read that so many that think what the Hell did I do and if you can get through the first month or so it all does get better. I wish I could tell you something to ease the feelings you are having right now, but just stay strong hang in there it will pass. I am sure you will get alot of help from all the Post Op`s on here just hang on and they will write to you with some words of wisdom, this group is great and they will help you through this rough spot you are going through.....Take care H Pre Op lotus3333 wrote: > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > > * > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi .... I just want to tell you I feel for you and even though I am still pre op I can tell you almost everybody say`s that the feelings you are having are not uncommon. I have read that so many that think what the Hell did I do and if you can get through the first month or so it all does get better. I wish I could tell you something to ease the feelings you are having right now, but just stay strong hang in there it will pass. I am sure you will get alot of help from all the Post Op`s on here just hang on and they will write to you with some words of wisdom, this group is great and they will help you through this rough spot you are going through.....Take care H Pre Op lotus3333 wrote: > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > > * > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 thank you. i do have friends and family that check in but it makes me depressed too because everyone says how beautiful i will be. it makes me upset because it makes me think well what was i before what am i now then? my friends understand more than my family so i hope that within the next week of starting school and such i will get myself out of this rut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 thank you. i do have friends and family that check in but it makes me depressed too because everyone says how beautiful i will be. it makes me upset because it makes me think well what was i before what am i now then? my friends understand more than my family so i hope that within the next week of starting school and such i will get myself out of this rut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , I see by the posts that you are getting other responses, and I agree with what's been said. Depression (says my doctors) is to be expected. If it lasts very long, contact your doctor about medication. I am rarely hungry. Sometimes I have to eat when I really don't want to, but I know I need nourishment. Make sure you're getting plenty of liquids. You're only 11 days into this, at this stage I was on soft foods, cottage cheese, yogurt, soups, sugar-free pudding, etc. Try not to introduce too many new foods at a time. Robin, on this site, told me that for the first 10 days she didn't get off the couch. Everyone reacts to this differently. I has been a big shock to your system. As for dumping.....well, I went into this thinking just what you are. I was NOT going to eat anything that would make me dump. Well, think again. It's not just the sugar. Some people have problems with milk, some with fats, if they eat too fast, or too much, or just do what I do and try scrambled eggs and ended up really sick twice. For me, it was the scrambled eggs. For you, it may be something else. And not everyone has the same symptoms from dumping. It's our individual systems reacting to something it can't handle. Ask all the questions you can think of. Sometimes it's confusing as you'll get different answers, but it's because the doctors believe differently and we're all individuals. Just think through suggestions, and decide for yourself what will work. Do you have a dietician working with you? A list of foods from your doctor? As for exercise, at your point now I started with the exercise bike, as I have a harder time walking, but I do hear a lot of people walking. Walking would get you out in the world and could help chase those blues away. Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , I see by the posts that you are getting other responses, and I agree with what's been said. Depression (says my doctors) is to be expected. If it lasts very long, contact your doctor about medication. I am rarely hungry. Sometimes I have to eat when I really don't want to, but I know I need nourishment. Make sure you're getting plenty of liquids. You're only 11 days into this, at this stage I was on soft foods, cottage cheese, yogurt, soups, sugar-free pudding, etc. Try not to introduce too many new foods at a time. Robin, on this site, told me that for the first 10 days she didn't get off the couch. Everyone reacts to this differently. I has been a big shock to your system. As for dumping.....well, I went into this thinking just what you are. I was NOT going to eat anything that would make me dump. Well, think again. It's not just the sugar. Some people have problems with milk, some with fats, if they eat too fast, or too much, or just do what I do and try scrambled eggs and ended up really sick twice. For me, it was the scrambled eggs. For you, it may be something else. And not everyone has the same symptoms from dumping. It's our individual systems reacting to something it can't handle. Ask all the questions you can think of. Sometimes it's confusing as you'll get different answers, but it's because the doctors believe differently and we're all individuals. Just think through suggestions, and decide for yourself what will work. Do you have a dietician working with you? A list of foods from your doctor? As for exercise, at your point now I started with the exercise bike, as I have a harder time walking, but I do hear a lot of people walking. Walking would get you out in the world and could help chase those blues away. Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Friends and family do sometimes put their feet in their mouth. To start off, we're very sensitive about our weight. They mean well, but is does irritate sometimes. The night before my surgery, my sister (about the same weight as I) called and exclaimed, " now I'll be the fat sister " . So!!! That means she's saying I was the fat sister. She does this quite often, speaking before she thinks.....and oh goodness she's a teacher! But from their perspective they're trying to help you, and be supportive. I've had many of such comments of " you're looking good NOW " type of stuff, and I just have to accept the compliment they're giving me. Just wait until they start asking you how much you weighed before the surgery, and other questions! I didn't go through this to please anyone. I did this for my health and to feel more " normal " ....whatever that is. Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Re: i need help thank you. i do have friends and family that check in but it makes me depressed too because everyone says how beautiful i will be. it makes me upset because it makes me think well what was i before what am i now then? my friends understand more than my family so i hope that within the next week of starting school and such i will get myself out of this rut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Friends and family do sometimes put their feet in their mouth. To start off, we're very sensitive about our weight. They mean well, but is does irritate sometimes. The night before my surgery, my sister (about the same weight as I) called and exclaimed, " now I'll be the fat sister " . So!!! That means she's saying I was the fat sister. She does this quite often, speaking before she thinks.....and oh goodness she's a teacher! But from their perspective they're trying to help you, and be supportive. I've had many of such comments of " you're looking good NOW " type of stuff, and I just have to accept the compliment they're giving me. Just wait until they start asking you how much you weighed before the surgery, and other questions! I didn't go through this to please anyone. I did this for my health and to feel more " normal " ....whatever that is. Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Re: i need help thank you. i do have friends and family that check in but it makes me depressed too because everyone says how beautiful i will be. it makes me upset because it makes me think well what was i before what am i now then? my friends understand more than my family so i hope that within the next week of starting school and such i will get myself out of this rut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , Be patient with yourself. You just had major surgery and probably alot od medication and the stuff messes with your head! I had MANYcomplications after my surgery 1 year ago and felt the same way. I had to have a second emergency surgery and lost my job as a result. I did not think I was ever going to feel normal again. I am now 134 lbs lighter and feel terrific. Something that happened to me, also, was once my eating was so restricted, I realized just how much I was self-medicating with food and all those emotions that I could stuff down before just kept coming. In time you will find different ways to deal with those emotions and find feeling that are really good, too. Hangf in there and I am here anytime you need to talk! You are doing great!!! Tami > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , Be patient with yourself. You just had major surgery and probably alot od medication and the stuff messes with your head! I had MANYcomplications after my surgery 1 year ago and felt the same way. I had to have a second emergency surgery and lost my job as a result. I did not think I was ever going to feel normal again. I am now 134 lbs lighter and feel terrific. Something that happened to me, also, was once my eating was so restricted, I realized just how much I was self-medicating with food and all those emotions that I could stuff down before just kept coming. In time you will find different ways to deal with those emotions and find feeling that are really good, too. Hangf in there and I am here anytime you need to talk! You are doing great!!! Tami > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , You've made a great decision to reach out for help. Remember that your body is still adjusting from surgery and so it is very normal to feel off track. Everyone responds differently mood wise and I think the most important thing is that you don't isolate yourself. Really try to get out each day. If this continues then you may need to talk to your doctor again, but hopefully this will soon pass. I've been scared at moments also about what I've done. I think it is perfectly normal, but remember why you decided to have the surgery - hopefully to have a better way of life without all the complications of extra weight. Just think of the 15 pounds you've lost - in one week! That's incredible and probably very shocking to your system. Give yourself some time and be an active participant in the group. For the introduction of food probably keeping it pretty soft would be important right now. I was on pureed food for 30 days and you'll notice that everyone's doctor has different requirements. I was able to handle chicken really well. I reintroduced beef in my 5th week and haven't had any trouble. Can't handle pork at all. Also after surgery I was lactose intolerant so that was a bummer. String cheese is good for me and scrambled eggs. I can't say you'll exactly know when you'll dump. Sometimes its the most surprising things and something you didn't think would make you sick. So you just have to try new stuff but take it slow and remember to chew well, etc... Maybe just little bites at first to see how it's feeling. Again for exercise all docs seem to be different. I'm still on walking only. I can't reintroduce any weights until after my 3 month check up. If you're having incision trouble I'ld watch out for any water related exercise and double check with the doctor. I hope some of this is helpful. Do you have friends and family that's checking in with you? Tammy Open RNY 11/12/03 257/213/130 i need help > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , You've made a great decision to reach out for help. Remember that your body is still adjusting from surgery and so it is very normal to feel off track. Everyone responds differently mood wise and I think the most important thing is that you don't isolate yourself. Really try to get out each day. If this continues then you may need to talk to your doctor again, but hopefully this will soon pass. I've been scared at moments also about what I've done. I think it is perfectly normal, but remember why you decided to have the surgery - hopefully to have a better way of life without all the complications of extra weight. Just think of the 15 pounds you've lost - in one week! That's incredible and probably very shocking to your system. Give yourself some time and be an active participant in the group. For the introduction of food probably keeping it pretty soft would be important right now. I was on pureed food for 30 days and you'll notice that everyone's doctor has different requirements. I was able to handle chicken really well. I reintroduced beef in my 5th week and haven't had any trouble. Can't handle pork at all. Also after surgery I was lactose intolerant so that was a bummer. String cheese is good for me and scrambled eggs. I can't say you'll exactly know when you'll dump. Sometimes its the most surprising things and something you didn't think would make you sick. So you just have to try new stuff but take it slow and remember to chew well, etc... Maybe just little bites at first to see how it's feeling. Again for exercise all docs seem to be different. I'm still on walking only. I can't reintroduce any weights until after my 3 month check up. If you're having incision trouble I'ld watch out for any water related exercise and double check with the doctor. I hope some of this is helpful. Do you have friends and family that's checking in with you? Tammy Open RNY 11/12/03 257/213/130 i need help > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi ! As a fresh post op'er myself I can tell you It DOES GET BETTER!.. About when you were having surgery I was at my 6 wk check up.. & I my self had just started to get over the " what in the HELL did I do & WHY? " Mine, wasn't as bad, but I can say I did feel it, as do many others. My whole problem started because I was kinda dumb about my extended release depression med so when I was told to change from one a day to 3 I freaked.. I couldn't remember & my mom & doc kept saying just take it.. & well.. it was just to nasty to crush & to big to swallow hole so I just stopped.. (I'm on new meds now) but rest.. we all felt weird for a few weeks as out body adjusted.. LV, NV Dr Fisher 11/18/03 289 pre op/274 @ hosp/ 230 Current Http://busymomma.4t.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Hi ! As a fresh post op'er myself I can tell you It DOES GET BETTER!.. About when you were having surgery I was at my 6 wk check up.. & I my self had just started to get over the " what in the HELL did I do & WHY? " Mine, wasn't as bad, but I can say I did feel it, as do many others. My whole problem started because I was kinda dumb about my extended release depression med so when I was told to change from one a day to 3 I freaked.. I couldn't remember & my mom & doc kept saying just take it.. & well.. it was just to nasty to crush & to big to swallow hole so I just stopped.. (I'm on new meds now) but rest.. we all felt weird for a few weeks as out body adjusted.. LV, NV Dr Fisher 11/18/03 289 pre op/274 @ hosp/ 230 Current Http://busymomma.4t.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2004 Report Share Posted January 10, 2004 Tami, what a wonderful observation! " Something that happened to me, also, was once my eating was so restricted, I realized just how much I was self-medicating with food and all those emotions that I could stuff down before just kept coming. In time you will find different ways to deal with those emotions and find feeling that are really good, too. " I guess I hadn't put this together, that overnight we have to learn all new ways to " comfort " ourselves. Good point! Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2004 Report Share Posted January 10, 2004 Tami, what a wonderful observation! " Something that happened to me, also, was once my eating was so restricted, I realized just how much I was self-medicating with food and all those emotions that I could stuff down before just kept coming. In time you will find different ways to deal with those emotions and find feeling that are really good, too. " I guess I hadn't put this together, that overnight we have to learn all new ways to " comfort " ourselves. Good point! Joan LAP RNY 11/18/03 Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA 282pre-op/275surg/236/140 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2004 Report Share Posted January 10, 2004 welcome lauren. i call this the " remorse syndrome " & it will pass. both online & in-person groups are great. the exhaustion is your body trying to bounce back from the shock. it gets better every day, really. are u taking supplements? lori h. > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2004 Report Share Posted January 10, 2004 welcome lauren. i call this the " remorse syndrome " & it will pass. both online & in-person groups are great. the exhaustion is your body trying to bounce back from the shock. it gets better every day, really. are u taking supplements? lori h. > hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 > 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little > encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get > through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i > went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just > depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to > myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop > it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i > feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not > know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and > today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and > light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr > told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear > it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need > help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then > i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you > guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what > you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat > anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can > start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent > > lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2004 Report Share Posted January 11, 2004 You are pretty normal . I had the same feeling right after surgery. I thought I had made a huge mistake. I just kept asking myself " What in the Hell did I do??!!! " . That will go away as you recover and get back to being more your " Normal " self again. When that will be is anybody's guess. Some people jump right back in a week or so. Some people (ME FOR INSTANCE!!) take longer. I was almost 12 weeks out before I felt human again. No energy and no strength. I felt awful and wondered if I would ever get back to feeling good again. I did and so will you. Keep the protein and the water going and get up and move as much as you can. I was so weak after surgery that I did not dare trying to go outside and walk. The first time I tried I got to the end of the block (about 3 houses down from mine) and my husband had to hold me up to get me back in the house. After that I walked around my own back yard. Thankfully it's a BIG yard and it is fenced so I didn't have the neighborhood wondering what I was doing. But until I could handle it I would just walk " laps " around my yard with my dog following behind. That way if I needed to sit I was close to a chair and my bed as well when I needed to lie down (and that was often for a while). Keep your chin up it really does get better. I know it feels like it won't right now but it will. I am 4 months out now and have lost 85 pounds already. I feel much much better now!!!! Candi i need help hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent lauren ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2004 Report Share Posted January 11, 2004 You are pretty normal . I had the same feeling right after surgery. I thought I had made a huge mistake. I just kept asking myself " What in the Hell did I do??!!! " . That will go away as you recover and get back to being more your " Normal " self again. When that will be is anybody's guess. Some people jump right back in a week or so. Some people (ME FOR INSTANCE!!) take longer. I was almost 12 weeks out before I felt human again. No energy and no strength. I felt awful and wondered if I would ever get back to feeling good again. I did and so will you. Keep the protein and the water going and get up and move as much as you can. I was so weak after surgery that I did not dare trying to go outside and walk. The first time I tried I got to the end of the block (about 3 houses down from mine) and my husband had to hold me up to get me back in the house. After that I walked around my own back yard. Thankfully it's a BIG yard and it is fenced so I didn't have the neighborhood wondering what I was doing. But until I could handle it I would just walk " laps " around my yard with my dog following behind. That way if I needed to sit I was close to a chair and my bed as well when I needed to lie down (and that was often for a while). Keep your chin up it really does get better. I know it feels like it won't right now but it will. I am 4 months out now and have lost 85 pounds already. I feel much much better now!!!! Candi i need help hello all. i am new to the group and i have had my surgery on dec 29 2003. my name is lauren and i am 22 years old. i just wanted a little encouragement and help because i do not know how i am going to get through this. did anyone feel this way? i mean i am doing ok when i went for my one week appt i had already lost 15 pounds. i am just depressed out of my mind. i feel like what the hell did i do to myself? one of my incisions is leaking like crazy, my dr had to pop it open it was painful. i had no complications with surgery but i feel like damn. i am not hungry ever and i cry and cry and do not know why. i was driving myself crazy staying in for that week and today i tried goign out to get my nails done but i felt so weak and light headed. i dont know how i am going to get through this. my dr told me i can start eating chicken and i had some tonight and i swear it tasted like the best i ever had. i dont understand. i just need help. i am contacting the hospital for support groups but until then i figure i will try this online thing a shot and i am looking if you guys have any tips for someone just starting out on foods- like what you can handle or not (im so afraid of dumping and i vow never to eat anything that will make me dump) and exercise tips - my dr said i can start regular exercise. well thats all i just needed to vent lauren ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2004 Report Share Posted January 11, 2004 Dear , Hi sweetie and welcome to the group. Let me assure you that absolutely everything you're feeling and going through is normal. At two weeks out, my incision opened up in 3 places and oozed so much that the front of my tee shirt stayed wet. I had to bandage myself (lightly with 4x4 gauze after cleaning the incision with saline) twice a day. It took about 2-3 weeks until the incisions closed. Watch the oozing. If it starts looking greenish or has a foul smell, you need to see a doctor for antibiotics. If it's reasonably clear or even yellowish but on the clear side, it's just basic draining and will slow down and stop when the wound closes. As for the not being hungry, this is a blessing. I'm an unusual one. I'm 16 months out from surgery and my appetite has still not opened up again (I'm very, very satisfied on 2 oz. meals, 3 times per day). Now is the time that you should, if you like, start incorporating a protein shake or two into your day. The surgery you've had is malabsorptive and the best way to get your protein up quickly is through shakes. Yes, you will absorb protein through the foods you eat, however, it won't be the full amount and you need to get at least 60 grams of protein in per day to maintain your health (though more is better). It's much easier if at least half of your daily requirement comes from a shake, (especially the Whey protein) because you are almost fully absorbing the protein from the shake. There are several websites you can go to in order to get samples to taste. I highly recommend Vitalady.com or wlssuccess.com because they sell protein samples for $1 or $2 per sample and you can try a wide variety. Or, if you prefer shopping locally, try GNC and keep your receipts. At GNC, if you open and try a product and hate it, with your receipt, they will give you a full cash refund. If you've lost your receipt, they will give you store credit. The protein shake I drink daily (the best one I've tasted so far), is the Champion Pure Stack Whey in chocolate. I hear some people think it should be mixed with water, but I don't like it that way. I mix it in 8 oz. lactaid (I became lactose intolerant following surgery) and 8 oz. water and it tastes just like nestles quick to me. You get 23 grams of protein in one scoop of powder and the lactaid adds another 8 grams, making 31 grams of protein in one drink. That's half my day right there. Then, if you don't want to mix protein drinks, you can buy Isopure zero carbs zero sugars at GNC and it's 40 or 50 grams of protein in a 20 oz. bottle and comes in fruity flavors, kind of like crystal light (not such a milkshake type of consistency). Just be aware that with the powdered shakes, they lose their potency after 30 minutes, so you need to have it finished within 30 minutes. Also, you cannot absorb more than 30 grams of protein at one sitting, so if you go for the Isopure, drink half at one sitting and finish it later on. That protein has a much longer shelf life than the powder drinks. You can also try RTD extreme smoothies (available in 11 oz. cans at The Vitamin Shoppe) which have 35 grams of protein in a can and have good flavors and good taste. As for the regret of doing what you did, I think we all go through that for a short while. After all, you have rearranged your insides and this is major surgery. It has just kicked your butt. You will be very emotional for a while as well. Something with this surgery kicks your hormones into overdrive in the beginning. I remember crying at the strangest TV commercials. It all passes. It just takes some time. If the depressed feelings continue for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor. If you were on antidepressants before, you may need to continue them now. Just make sure, if you are on time release, that they will continue to work for you. You didn't mention it, and I'm not being nosy here, but if you were on birth control pills, find a new method. Birth control pills are no longer effective after this surgery. As for the exercise, my surgeon (specialist in bariatrics for more than 25 years) says no pushing, pulling, bending or stretching or lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs. for the first six weeks. The best exercise, at this point, is walking as much as you can tolerate. Even if it's only a few steps, do it and build your endurance. As each day passes you will be able to do a little bit more. Right now it's baby steps. If you feel the need to nap, give into it. My first 12 weeks were bad for me. I was exhausted almost the entire time and thought I'd never be better. Now you can't keep up with me. Are you able to take pills yet? Now is the time to start vitamins and supplements. It's advisable to get a good multivitamin, B-12 (sublingual), calcium citrate and iron. If you need to know amounts, let me know. I think I've answered everything you wanted to know. If you need any other information, feel free to ask. You will get a ton of information here. Good luck in your journey. It will be getting better and better for you. live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... Deb in Hazlet, NJ " Debbie Dancer " distal rny September 3, 2002 386/212/165 BMI 60/31/24 -174 -100 " Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2004 Report Share Posted January 11, 2004 Dear , Hi sweetie and welcome to the group. Let me assure you that absolutely everything you're feeling and going through is normal. At two weeks out, my incision opened up in 3 places and oozed so much that the front of my tee shirt stayed wet. I had to bandage myself (lightly with 4x4 gauze after cleaning the incision with saline) twice a day. It took about 2-3 weeks until the incisions closed. Watch the oozing. If it starts looking greenish or has a foul smell, you need to see a doctor for antibiotics. If it's reasonably clear or even yellowish but on the clear side, it's just basic draining and will slow down and stop when the wound closes. As for the not being hungry, this is a blessing. I'm an unusual one. I'm 16 months out from surgery and my appetite has still not opened up again (I'm very, very satisfied on 2 oz. meals, 3 times per day). Now is the time that you should, if you like, start incorporating a protein shake or two into your day. The surgery you've had is malabsorptive and the best way to get your protein up quickly is through shakes. Yes, you will absorb protein through the foods you eat, however, it won't be the full amount and you need to get at least 60 grams of protein in per day to maintain your health (though more is better). It's much easier if at least half of your daily requirement comes from a shake, (especially the Whey protein) because you are almost fully absorbing the protein from the shake. There are several websites you can go to in order to get samples to taste. I highly recommend Vitalady.com or wlssuccess.com because they sell protein samples for $1 or $2 per sample and you can try a wide variety. Or, if you prefer shopping locally, try GNC and keep your receipts. At GNC, if you open and try a product and hate it, with your receipt, they will give you a full cash refund. If you've lost your receipt, they will give you store credit. The protein shake I drink daily (the best one I've tasted so far), is the Champion Pure Stack Whey in chocolate. I hear some people think it should be mixed with water, but I don't like it that way. I mix it in 8 oz. lactaid (I became lactose intolerant following surgery) and 8 oz. water and it tastes just like nestles quick to me. You get 23 grams of protein in one scoop of powder and the lactaid adds another 8 grams, making 31 grams of protein in one drink. That's half my day right there. Then, if you don't want to mix protein drinks, you can buy Isopure zero carbs zero sugars at GNC and it's 40 or 50 grams of protein in a 20 oz. bottle and comes in fruity flavors, kind of like crystal light (not such a milkshake type of consistency). Just be aware that with the powdered shakes, they lose their potency after 30 minutes, so you need to have it finished within 30 minutes. Also, you cannot absorb more than 30 grams of protein at one sitting, so if you go for the Isopure, drink half at one sitting and finish it later on. That protein has a much longer shelf life than the powder drinks. You can also try RTD extreme smoothies (available in 11 oz. cans at The Vitamin Shoppe) which have 35 grams of protein in a can and have good flavors and good taste. As for the regret of doing what you did, I think we all go through that for a short while. After all, you have rearranged your insides and this is major surgery. It has just kicked your butt. You will be very emotional for a while as well. Something with this surgery kicks your hormones into overdrive in the beginning. I remember crying at the strangest TV commercials. It all passes. It just takes some time. If the depressed feelings continue for more than a few weeks, consult a doctor. If you were on antidepressants before, you may need to continue them now. Just make sure, if you are on time release, that they will continue to work for you. You didn't mention it, and I'm not being nosy here, but if you were on birth control pills, find a new method. Birth control pills are no longer effective after this surgery. As for the exercise, my surgeon (specialist in bariatrics for more than 25 years) says no pushing, pulling, bending or stretching or lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs. for the first six weeks. The best exercise, at this point, is walking as much as you can tolerate. Even if it's only a few steps, do it and build your endurance. As each day passes you will be able to do a little bit more. Right now it's baby steps. If you feel the need to nap, give into it. My first 12 weeks were bad for me. I was exhausted almost the entire time and thought I'd never be better. Now you can't keep up with me. Are you able to take pills yet? Now is the time to start vitamins and supplements. It's advisable to get a good multivitamin, B-12 (sublingual), calcium citrate and iron. If you need to know amounts, let me know. I think I've answered everything you wanted to know. If you need any other information, feel free to ask. You will get a ton of information here. Good luck in your journey. It will be getting better and better for you. live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt... Deb in Hazlet, NJ " Debbie Dancer " distal rny September 3, 2002 386/212/165 BMI 60/31/24 -174 -100 " Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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